Girley Bog Meitheal Shortlisted for Sustainablility Team of the Year

Girley Bog Meitheal Shortlisted for Sustainablility Team of the Year

The Irish Peatland Conservation Council along with their partners on the Girley Bog Meitheal project were delighted to receive confirmation that the Girley Bog Meitheal was shortlisted for the Sustainability Team of the Year award by the Green Awards 2015. The Green Awards aim to celebrate excellence in sustainability and environmental awareness among Ireland’s green organisations and individuals.

The Girley Bog Meitheal project is managed by a team of government agencies including the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Meath County Council and Coillte, non-governmental charities including the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Native Woodland Trust and the Dutch Foundation for Conservation of Irish Bogs, local businesses including the Causey Farm Experience and Meath Eco Tours and members of the local community. This management team are working together for the shared goal of the conservation and restoration of Girley Bog in Co. Meath.

Girley Bog is an example of a raised bog habitat located outside Kells in Co. Meath. In 2013 the Irish Peatland Conservation Council and Native Woodland Trust purchased land for sale on the site. This purchase ensured no further loss of peatland habitat would occur on the bog and offered the opportunity to establish new native habitats. With many different groups now owning various parts of the bog it was essential that they came together and work towards a shared goal to ensure Girley Bogs future. This newly formed team with the support of over fifty community volunteers began conservation and restoration activities on the bog in 2014. Led by the management team a sample of the activities that took place on the bog included drain blocking to stop water loss from the site, upgrade to parts of the Girley Bog loop walk to minimise visitor trampling and allow safe access, planting an area of native woodland, training of local guides and holding of open days for members of the public to come explore and experience the wonderful wetland that is Girley Bog.

Although lots of conservation and restoration work was carried out on Girley Bog throughout 2014 there is lots more to be done. The shortlisting of the team at Girley Bog for the Sustainability Team of the Year Award has inspired and renewed momentum for the year ahead. In 2015 restoration works will continue and the team will be working on the development of a management plan for this wonderful bog.